The Mandala Astrological Tarot is rather unique
on several counts. First of all there are no people in this deck,
not even on the court cards. The shape is also different. These
cards are perfectly square and thus can end up facing any of the
four cardinal directions. The interpretation varies depending on
which way they face based on the astrological significance of the
direction. Specifically: " A
card in the upright position shows one conscious of the quality
described A card in the upside down position is unconscious
of its quality When the upper title of a card is to the
left the quality of the card is carried in the personality
and acted out When the title of the card is to the
right the quality of the card is derived from, or a
projection on to, someone else in the outside world, such as
ones partner."

The scenes are round. The Major Arcana scenes
have symbols and scenery, as do the court cards. The Minor Arcana
scenes have the suit symbol in the requisite number on a colored
background with the corresponding planets and signs prominently
worked into the image. The art is only fair, but the colors are
beautiful. The cards measure 3 ½" X 3 ½". There is a
strong Egyptian influence. The creator of this deck states that
the Major Arcana images "are
the tableaux of the Egyptian mystery temples with all of the
appropriate scenery, imagery, colors, textures, symbolic costumes
and ritual implements " The
suits are Cups, Swords, Wands and Pentacles. The court consists
of Queen, King, Prince and Princess.

The Mandala Astrological Tarot is sold as a
deck/book set. The book begins with a rather inaccurate history.
As previously noted, the author believes that the tarot is the
hidden knowledge of the ancient Egyptians. There is a brief
introduction to astrology and astrological symbolism, a must for
understanding this deck. There is also a very short introduction
to the Qabala. While knowledge of the Qabala is probably not
essential to using this deck, those not acquainted with astrology
will probably not find this deck too user friendly. A short
section describing how color is used, and a section describing
the symbolism found is also provided. The symbolism is another
important aspect of this deck. Even the position where a symbol
falls on a card is important to interpretation. Each Major Arcana
card has a full color enlarged picture of the card with a
description of how the card looks in traditional decks, a
description of the symbolism on the card, a divinatory meaning
and a reversed meaning. The meanings are not Golden Dawn based,
rather they are based on the astrological assignments. This is
especially evident in the meanings for the Minor Arcana. If you
are familiar with astrology, you should be able to quickly learn
the meanings.

The Golden Dawn astrological correspondences
(with some additions) are used for the Major Arcana, but Mann
changes things for the Minor Arcana by assigning the two, three
and four of each suit to the decans of the cardinal sign for its
element, the five, six and seven to the fixed, and the eight,
nine and ten to the mutable. The planet assigned to each card is
either the ruler of the sign in the decan, or the ruler of one of
the other two signs in that element. If you are lost, remember
that I said some astrological knowledge was necessary.

I recommend this deck for those who are
familiar with astrology who are looking for something different.

A winged angel within the
clouds blows a trumpet of atonement, decorated with a
cross-emblazoned banner, to people of all ages emerging from
coffins and graves.

The Symbolism of Judgement

The element Fire shows the
energy of heaven which shatters structures to unite humanity, and
Pluto which shows the required destruction of existing forms
before regeneration occurs. Death and destruction are only
preludes to rebirth in a new and higher state, as all causes must
be transcended. The coffin is lifes structure, within which
humanity is trapped, floating on the surface of the unconscious
 yet male and female differences must be integrated to form
the central child, which is unity. The whole scene is presided
over by the winged solar disc of the law of the cosmos.

Divination Meanings

Success despite
difficulties which force an about turn. The decision to complete
an action leads to the termination of current partnerships.
Accomplishing the work of transformation. Changes of position and
beliefs.

Reversed Meanings

Being required to make
decisions which shatter exiting relationships. Delay, transient
glory and then success.